I would give this place at least 4 stars just because it's the best dive bar I've found in downtown San Francisco. But the excellent food makes it a 5. Great beer selection with the Idiot double IPA on draft. My wife's pastrami tacos were great. My Cobb salad was exactly what a Cobb should be but I admit I was casting covetous glances at the burgers that everyone was ordering. It was easy to get a table at 1pm on a weekday. Great service. Unique artwork. It reminded me of some of my favorite bars in Hells Kitchen and Camden Town while having its very own style. A hidden gem. read more

This. This this this. Tempest is my go-to SOMA dive bar -- heck, it's my go-to San Francisco dive bar. It's seriously cheap, seriously grungy, and seriously fun. $5 PBR and Beam, all day, every day. $7 tequila and Pacifico. (Unfortunately -- or perhaps mercifully -- the $2 "mystery shot" was discontinued the last time I visited.) Drinks are so cheap that not only do you want to buy one, you want to buy all your friends one. And when we're talking a group of four all buying rounds of beers and shots -- well, let's just say the details of some of my late-night departures from the Tempest are... fuzzy. Even better, Tempest raises the ante with killer drunk food from the attached outdoor window. Greasy, carbolicious drunk food. Classics like garlic fries share the menu with more creative items like upscale homemade sausage corn dogs or Chicken-in-Waffles, delicious chicken confit mixed into waffle batter, poured into the iron, then cut up into strips so you can enjoy them as finger food with jalapeno syrup dipping sauce. Huge, huge win. Don't forget to tip your chef! Uh, and they're open for lunch too and serve up pretty tasty sandwiches and even have table service -- this is completely incongruous with the Tempest at night. So that's cool too,but it's probably a place that's better suited for the evening unless you're trying to black out by the time everyone else gets out of work. Are you still reading? You know you could be doing beer and shot specials right now, right? Like right now. read more

It's Tuesday evening and this dive bar is hopping with twenty something hipsters! Prices are quite reasonable: two bucks for PBR and five to seven bucks for most craft beers on tap, including Bear Republic Racer 5, which I had. Located on a narrow side street amid a number of gritty industrial looking buildings, one of which houses a CrossFit training center. read more

Tempest - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

Went here for a birthday and I was pleasantly surprised. It is very much a dive bar... with busting chairs, loud music, and an eclectic crowd. We bought a birthday cake, and the staff were nice enough to store it in their kitchen, give us plates, forks and extra napkins. The bar even sang along when we came out! But the best part is the food right outside the bar. Two words.. chicken waffles. It totally made my day. Yes. That's chicken melted between the batter of a waffle. And dipped in what? dipped in amazing sriracha syrup. Yes I said siracha. It had this amazing mix of sweet, savory, spice! I may skip the bar the next time, but i wouldn't mind another bite of that southern food. read more

Imagine if you take a big empty old garage, add some tables, chairs and a bar. What you got is Tempest. No fancy decor, no fancy menu, just strong drinks and a good vibe. This place gets crowded during happy hours and can get loud, but its lively and the service is fast. It also has a few tv's so you can catch a couple of games. Oh yeah, and the drinks are cheap! read more

Admittedly a bit grungy, but who cares when beer is cheap and there's free food involved ?? $2 PBRs, $3 bud lights- I did see that they do have some classy beer but I couldn't quite get past the classic options at rock bottom prices. On Fridays? (Maybe other nights, can't vouch for it though) they also dish up some free grub that you can help yourself to. This Friday it was a lovely spaghetti - Def not a spot where you want to go if you're scared of dirt or germs but a great watering hole for after work shenanigans. read more

Free hot dogs for Monday night football, you say?? This would otherwise be just an average bar for me but the free dogs earn it the extra star. I don't know why I love freebies so much... When my friend told me to meet him after work at this bar, only a half a block from the Chieftain, I thought to myself, "why have I never been to this bar?? I thought I knew all the bars around my neighborhood." When I finally found this bar, I immediately knew why. It's down a quiet street--you could almost call it an alley. It's a good thing it was still daylight out when I went because it's kind of sketchy. It isn't as bad as the street I live on but there's something about walking down streets that are this quiet alone at night that gives me the creeps. The bar itself is huge! They serve breakfast and lunch as previously mentioned, free hot dogs for Monday night football. Nothing fancy but it was my dinner that Monday. Surprisingly quiet for a bar half full of people watching football. I'd go back again and check it out. I don't see this being a regular place for me though. read more

The Tempest has become a regular after work hours hangout for me and coworkers since we discovered it a little over a year ago. It is a great dive bar with the best prices and some sweet specials. It is a good pre-game spot for the evening though we often find ourselves staying there the entire night because of the high energy and good crowd. If you're not up for a bit of grime and that smell of lingering beer, this is not your place but then again, what would you expect from a dive? The food is amazing, from the window next door and during lunch hours when they spruce up the place into a pseudo-restaurant. I have heard that the menu has changed recently but before that, the food next door was awesome. Burgers, chicken wings, mini corn dogs, fried pickles. All great after a long evening of drinking. More recently, I have found myself here a lot during lunch too. The grilled cheese with tomato soup is simple but really hits the spot. If there is any food I would recommend though it's the burger. The one here is one of the best burgers I have ever had. read more

I usually don't like bars but Tempest is the exception. My comfort zone is on the couch with a Mike's hard in one hand and remote in the other. Tempest comes in a close second, though. This dive bar is my Cheers, everybody really did know my name! It was quite disturbing until I realized that I had just come from a YEE and still had my name tag on. It's a very laid back atmosphere with no elbow throwing necessary to get a drink. At its most crowded, is not unbearable like other places. The people are a mix of hipsters and silicon valley tech nerds, I am neither but I feel right at home. The bouncer and bartenders are friendly, it's the Planet Fitness of bars, no-timidation, which works for me because I hate gyms and bars. read more

A $5 special of PBR (on tap, you klassy peeps!) and a shot of something that burned really badly and killed all the bacteria in my mouth, lead to DJTINACHRISTINA getting hit on and propositioned to go on a midnight canoe ride. And, another tidbit- heroine is bad. Gripe: Weird seating arrangement. Highlight: THE BIGGEST DISCO BALL I'VE EVER SEEN. read more

The Tempest was the first stop on our mid day bar crawl. As we got closer to the bar things were looking a bit sketchy. Once inside it was good to go. Sat down at the end of the bar and looked over the menu. I'm not a big burger fan, but it was darn good. It was hot, perfectly cooked and contained cheese and bacon. Fries were nice and crisp. The bartenders seemed like they take some time to warm to people. I told the female bar tender she looked a little bit like Rosario Dawson, which is a compliment but it was not well received. Whatever. I ordered the mystery shot, which is advertised on a paper plate taped to the bar mirror. It was decent, a mix of something that is alcohol. At only $2 you can't go wrong. The mystery shot changes from day to day, I look forward to seeing what it is next time. Good selection of hard alcohol and beer. I'll be back. read more

Tempest - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

Super divey with a mix of stoners, hipsters, and randoms like us, but 5 dollar Jameson shots... it never fails... jamie and gingerale! They also have a decent selection of beer. Anderson Valley on tap? Heck yeah! They also got bombers of Sierra and PBR tall boys. Also the 2 for one drinks (beer/shot) deals are great. Also, SFII arcade machine? GAME TIME! Bring your quarters playa! read more

I came here after work-hours on a Thursday and the place was packed but manageable! Others bar-goers were friendly enough to share their table. Surprisingly for how busy it was, I didn't feel the need to shout at my friends which is rare in a packed bar! I enjoy the atmosphere here. It's a dive-y hangout with heart. I'm pretty sure whatever you are looking for in "just a drink" you'll find it. We had garlic fries and beers. I don't think that much complaining can occur there. read more

Considering this is just off of 5th street and I am in the area every day, Tempest is a great place that I've come to get drinks in the late afternoon. Totally different atmosphere from the Intercontinental across the street. As you can probably tell by the paintings on the walls. This seems like a small, dark, dirty little bar place in an alley that has room for the bar, a couple tables, and their huge pool table, because it is. I've come here for lunch and the food is actually really good, way better than normal bar food that you might expect. The burgers and fries were amazing, but the real reason I come here is for the $2 PBRs. Of course there are other beers on tap but I can't afford a drinking habit on anything more expensive. Though my financial constraints prevent me from exploring more of their menu on a regular basis, I will continue to come here as long as the pints are clean. read more

$4 drinks, of a tasty and strong nature? Check! Hipsters and one table, discussing hipsterly things, while physicists sit at the next table and talk about LSD? Check! Smoking indoors? Check! The owner giving people shots for dancing like idiots to Journey? Check! read more

Place is crazy packed! I literally had to jump over a dog to run and grab a seat when someone decided to leave. Place is a cool hidden bar. Service was bad. No one cleans or buses the glasses. We ended up busing our own table and putting the last patrons glasses on the floor. read more

I only came here once before the new owners took over. I could barely breathe because all the doors were closed and people were chain smoking inside. I'm not against smoking, I even have a smoke from time to time, but this was unbearable. I came back about a week ago when the new owners where there. They keep the doors open to get some air flow! It was nice being able to breathe! $2 chimichangas ( think it was just a special for Sunday night) and free pool (definitely a special for Sundays). The place does get chilly since they keep the doors open, so don't forget a jacket. But being able to breath is so worth the colder air! Will definitely come back again. =) read more

I can't say that I'm a fan of this place at all. Not my scene. Not my kind of crowd. Definitely not my type of drinks. But sadly, this is where the boyfriend decided to take me out in The City. Honestly, I don't think I'd ever come back. It was down a shady back alley. The place smelled like cigarettes and weed. Slippery floors and sticky tables. I'm just not cut out to be hanging in these kinds of establishments. read more

Pretty good drink specials and they let you bring food in. It would have been an enjoyable evening here if it wasn't for a bunch of dickhole Yelp! employees being obnoxious as hell and ruining our entire evening. read more

Tempest - Dickhole Yelp! employes ruining our evening. - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

BEST DIVE BAR IN THE CITY For starters, Box is out of this world good- the kitchen is small, the chefs are hustling, the portions are great -Strong drinks -Great Bartenders ! -Good beer selection -Dog Friendly -Pool Table -ALWAYS has bay are sports playing -Everyone is welcome kinda vibe :) read more

Omg I pride myself in making a great burger that tastes fantastic and outshines most others. But tonight we had a Tempest burger which makes mine look and taste like a 7-11 burger on its last day before being expired. Wow wow wow amazing everything was so perfect i could not even try the other main dishes (except i did have the garlic fries) and don't want to go overboard on this review but holly cow these were perfect. 5 stars read more

A bar that's open during the day with internet access, where you can do your work in a badass atmosphere? How does such a thing exist? Very friendly staff. Super cool, tough-looking decor. I love all the presumably-intentional graffiti on the bathroom walls. And there are even pool tables! This place, surprisingly, gets crowded during the middle of the day, even though it's a bar and has a very bar-like feel to it. Oh! And I loved the delicious falafel sandwich! read more

I am a lucky lady- I've been to many bars throughout several states. I've been from fancy-shmancy to full-on-dive, favoring the latter to the former. Let me tell ya, the Tempest is a divey-ass-dive and, without a doubt, the best bar I've ever been to. The space is enormous! It's the size of my boyfriend's shitty loft in Brooklyn that he and 3 other people live in comfortably, if that gives any perspective. There are several tables placed around the floor, a few arcade games, and a pool table. The bartender/owner is a character. He has a lot of charm to him and I recommend sitting at the bar for at least one drink to chat with him. $5 for a shot of Jim Beam and a PBR is my favorite deal in the world. We loved it here so much. Oh god, and when my boyfriend saw that he could smoke indoors, I knew we wouldn't be bar hopping any more that night. read more

OMG as you can say!!!! This place is packed. It is Thursday night and the crowd is huge at 6:30. I don't think they have any happy hour period like a lot of bars. They are very busy all the time it seems. It was fun to hang around before dinner time. One thing that bothers me that they don't wash their hands before making drink. They are so busy that they constantly dealing with cash and make drinks. I guess that if we want to come here for fun- just ignore the sanity part:):). We did not order food so no comment for food part. Drinks are basic like the other bars. read more

Stopped here late Saturday night with a small group of friends. Everyone that worked there was either having a bad day, or is just not happy, because they way we were all treated was terrible. Rude service from the bar, snappy attitude for last call, and mouthing off from a guy (bartender or manager) as we proceeded to leave. I get its a dive bar, i don't need someone to fluff a pillow, or iron my napkin. I also don't want to have the urge to knock somebody out for being an a$$...... maybe I missed a sign on the way in for Dicks Last Resort? Plenty of other bars of this style, and possibly cooler to visit in this town read more

Perfect dive bar for a game of pool and a cold beer. It can be tough to find but worth the hunt.

One of the best dive bars in town! Strong drinks, great people, better music and the Mac and cheese egg rolls are bomb!

Great spot to sit inside and enjoy some food and drinks. The Mac and cheese egg rolls and garlic fries are insanely good bar food and the drinks are strong! Great service, lovely people. They definitely deserve 5 stars for how they are handling the pandemic read more

A storm is a-brewin' in a little alleyway south of Market and you're gonna want to be there. Cheap drinks, free pool and jukebox and a cast of characters (including me and my group of fellow theatre junkies) will ensure you have a rousing good time. read more

Security refused to let me in since I forgot my ID. I told him i just wanted to eat a burger and could even show him my a picture of my passport and drivers license he still couldn't be empathetic. Furthermore, I asked to get the manager and he too couldn't comply. PLEASE DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME HERE!! read more

I love the customer service and the fish tacos!!!!! The Brussels is hellllla good! Such a cute whole in the wall! Look for Ali when you are here! read more

Kicking off a new adventure with fellow co-workers, we decide to meet at Tempest for lunch. With a hop, a skip and jump, we strut right pass a.... crackhead liquor store pawnshop pornshop liquor store crack head pawnshop crackhead ..."WHERE ARE U TAKING ME?" I mutter. Best Burger in town Baby! If you are looking for beautiful hostess that greets you at the door, sits you at a table with a fantastic view....THIS IS SOOO NOT THE PLACE! First off only whores and bums greet you at the door and you pray they arent smiling due to the lack of teeth. The tables are scattered among bar stools and the daily specails on the chalk boards. Your lovely view from the window is the guy peeing in the alley and some girl shooting up. Good times! The menu is simple...breakfast or lunch! Everything is fantastic. Best burger by far and the fries are addicting. The steak sandwich is really good too. The specials change from taco salad to fried chicken... Once you eat there a few times, the owner knows your order! So when you come...come hungry.....leave happy! Oh yeah and the brownie or cookie they bring at the end of your meal... BEST EVER! read more

Wow.... what a find! A colleague brought me here. Never would have found it on my own. An eclectic bar, that indeed serves a stiff drink and very reasonable prices. The actual bar is beautiful carved wood, but with the tap towers covered in stickers, has this.... neighborhood nostalgia sorta feel. Eric the bartender/owner... great chap, and good conversation. Pool table, great drink specials, good jukebox. Best kept secret for a bar in the city, that isn't packed. Sorta like a private club, without the high society snobbery. I find myself hesitant to even write this review, as I want to keep this place to all for my own. All they need is a shuffle board to table to make this place a true nirvana. I have changed my mind.... I do want to keep it as my secret little place... it's bad, go away!!! seriously, go away!! read more

This was a last stop in my friend's hood before my fake boyfriend and I headed home to NYC back in early April. We walked in to some really intense band comprised of a 15 year old, a 25 year old, a 45 year old, and father time. they were straight up ripping it up though. more power to them. I enjoyed how open the space was. It remained dim even though it was the middle of the day and there were tons of windows. Which was a plus in my book. My good high school friend who brought us here says this is her SPOT, and I wish I could have spent more time there. Tons of bike kids and pretty divey in what I assume is a neighborhood that will be fully gentrified very shortly. The barstaff were angels and gave us some candy for our trip. read more

Kubala's (the daytime name) - Very friendly staff who will get to know you if you come here regularly. They serve diner food - burgers, club sandwiches, and breakfast at lunch time. A lot of neighborhood workers (including Chronicle staff) are regulars here. Oh, and the burgers are quite good. The owner (Kubala?) is also one of the waiters. The nicest touch is that they serve free cookies or brownies with the bill. read more

Weird bar in the middle of a dark alley. Smells like cheap booze, cigarettes, old decaying skin. Not sure how they get around the UM, non-smoking in bars law in California, but people smoke in here. I don't have a problem with smokers. But inside the bar, wtf? My coat is ruined after an evening in this bar, not to mention I had to shampoo my hair before going to bed. Uncool. The bartenders are older, and pretty absent, albeit very nice. Beer is cheap, but music is crappy. If you are looking for an alternative to Union Square dumps, and smoke, you might like this place. read more

$5 shot of beam and PBR, or $5 for a 32 oz miller high life? Or $7 for miller and a fernet Shot(industry special)? So many choices! And these specials are all day every day!!!!there is a full bar, pool table and a chill diverse crowd. Easily 5 stars in my book. read more

This place reminds me a lot of New York City. Wonderful place to just chill out with your girlfriends. Uber around is surprisingly among the cheapest spots in the city! read more

The perfect spot to watch a game, have cheap beer and yummy food as soon as you are tipsy. Come early to get a table. read more

This is my new favorite bar. Find me here. Often. C'est tout. Oh, and they have Ace Cider. I wub yew Tempest. read more